Pilates Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a type of exercise or fitness class that develops the body uniformly and corrects poor posture. It improves core strength and helps you become more flexible with toned muscles.
Is Pilates good for you?
Yes! Not just physically but it helps your mental health too. A Pilates class will draw you into the present moment as you concentrate on the moves and breathing. You will leave all your worries and stresses outside of the class.
Is Pilates good for weight loss?
Pilates can help with weight loss but it would need to be done in conjunction with eating healthier and doing some cardiovascular exercise. Pilates will help you become stronger and leaner with better posture which will help you look taller and slimmer. The strength gained by practising Pilates will also help you enjoy your cardio exercise more and help prevent you from getting injuries.
Is Pilates a good workout?
Yes, it is a good workout for all your muscles and joints. Pilates exercises will use muscles all over the body eg biceps, triceps, abdominals and gluteal muscles. Weights and resistance bands are often used in Pilates classes to help you become even stronger. Breathing in the correct Pilates way during the class is a workout in itself for the diaphragm, abdominal muscles and obliques.
Is Pilates good for men?
Yes, Pilates is good for all adults as we all have the same muscles and joints. Pilates is the best way to develop and maintain a healthy back and a strong core. Pilates works well in conjunction with going to the gym and taking part in sports. You get more out of your other sports with improved performance and fewer injuries.
Is Pilates good for Sciatica?
Yes, it can help with relieving Sciatic pain. Practising specific, gentle Pilates moves regularly that don't overstretch the nerve will help ease Sciatica. The sciatic nerve originates in the lower back, it is the largest and longest nerve in the body and runs to the hip and then to the leg and foot. If there is an obstruction, restriction or irritation to the nerve through injury you can feel pain, tingling and numbness anywhere along it. If we keep our back mobile, balance the pelvis and realign the hips with regular Pilates moves the left and right sciatic nerves will move freely through the body keeping us pain-free.
Is Pilates good for the pelvic floor?
Yes, the pelvic floor is one set of core muscles used in Pilates exercises. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can improve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, help urinary incontinence and make sex better too. Everyone can benefit from these exercises.
Jane Hamilton, a Pilates instructor in Edinburgh, answers more of these questions on her website - 10 FAQs about Pilates. She also offers online Pilates classes so you can join her and get all the benefits of Pilates wherever you may be located.
